Multi-lift point elevator and methods of using same

A multi-lift point elevator for lifting a plane, comprising:

• a lifting frame having a lower raising surface and an upper lifting surface being configured to receive and elevate a seaplane;
• an independent lift stanchion affixed to the lower raising surface and the upper lifting surface, the lift stanchion having an outer telescoping sleeve defining a plurality of orifices therethrough and an inner telescoping tube defining a plurality of complementary orifices therethrough;
• a leaf spring connected to the outer telescoping sleeve by a bias force, the leaf spring having at least two bias connectors depending therefrom in a direction of the outer telescoping sleeve orifices and the inner telescoping tube complementary orifices, the two bias connectors being urged through the respective outer telescoping sleeve orifices and inner telescoping tube complementary orifices when aligned therewith;
• a connector extension connected to the leaf spring and to the lower raising surface;
• and
• a jack being configured for contact with the lower raising surface to control the lifting frame, the connector extension being configured to overcome the bias force to move the leaf spring away from the outer telescoping sleeve and release the two bias connectors from the outer telescoping sleeve orifices and the inner telescoping tube complementary orifices to permit the inner telescoping tube to extend from the outer telescoping sleeve as the jack elevates the seaplane on the upper lifting surface.